The main target of this BTSF course is to provide support on strategies and actions at promoting and strengthening the areas covered within the SPS framework, and related areas for which the European Commission has a strategic interest. They are broadly encompassed in the fields of food safety, plant health, animal health and welfare, and general bi-lateral trade matters (i.e. EU importing requirements) covered within those topics.
The main objectives that this BTSF non-EU SPS workshop aims to achieve are to contribute to:
- Train the officers of the competent authorities of invited countries on the European Union’s food safety control system in place on Import regime for food of animal origin.
- Better understanding of EU legal framework on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), animal health, entry certificates to the EU, microbiological criteria, residues of pharmacologically active substances, pesticides, and contaminants in animals and animal-origin products, residue control plans, and official controls at EU border control posts
- Better trade relations with non-EU countries for which improved market access is sought by both parties.
- Promote the EU standards as globally recognised standards that provide a high level of consumer, plant and animal protection.
- Promote European Commission’s strategic interests such as the development of sustainable food systems, and the EU’s animal welfare laws that can contribute to improving animal welfare standards that contributes to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The course addresses the following topics:
- Present the European Union’s food safety control system in place on Import regime for food of animal origin.
- Facilitate the understanding of EU legal framework on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), animal health, entry certificates to the EU, microbiological criteria, controls of residues of pharmacologically active substances, pesticide, and contaminants in animals and animal-origin products, residue control plans, and official controls at EU border control posts.
- Strengthen trade relations with non-EU countries for which improved market access is sought by both parties.
- Promote fair practices and common level playing field at international level of food of animal origin by understanding and acceptance of internationally recognised standards to which the EU adheres to (i.e. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards and Codex Alimentarius).
- Promote sustainable food systems by incorporating EU’s animal welfare laws contributing to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Comply with EU compromise to deliver capacity building on SPS matters as included in trade and development agreements with EU’s trade partners
This Training Programme has been designed for the profiles and positions described below. Please verify compliance with the selection criteria before submitting or validating applications.
- Officials of the Competent Authority, inspection public services, involved in the design and implementation of legislation applicable to official controls on food of animal origin.
- Inspectors directly involved in the verification of compliance with the legislation on food of animal origin (e.g., animal health and welfare, hygiene of food and feed, composite products).
- Inspectors / competent authority involved in the certification process of food of animal origin exported to the EU.
- Authorities from competent authorities involved in the designing, planning and implementing of official controls concerning residues and contaminants in live animals and animal products, and controlling maximum residue limits MRLs
| Session | Start Date | End Date | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28/10/2024 | 01/11/2024 | Astana | Kazakhstan |
| 2 | 24/03/2025 | 28/03/2025 | Bangkok | Thailand |
| 3 | September 2025 (TBC) | September 2025 (TBC) | TBC | Central America and Caribean Countries |